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Conviction and arrest of Verônica Costa

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2026-09-26 21:52 UTC → 2026-09-27 16:42 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Verônica Costa, a former Rio de Janeiro councilwoman known as ‘Mãe Loira do Funk’, was arrested in Petrópolis following a definitive conviction for torture. The conviction relates to a 2011 incident where Costa and several family members were accused of holding her ex-husband, Márcio Costa, captive for approximately 20 hours. During the incident, the victim was reportedly tied to a bed or in a bathroom, gagged, and subjected to physical assaults involving gasoline and insecticide while being questioned about campaign funds. Costa was sentenced to 10 years and 8 months in a closed regime. Following her apprehension by Polinter, the Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice upheld her arrest. Three other individuals—Tatiane Chaves Ribeiro, Bruno Chaves Ribeiro, and Bruno Marcelo Bahia Marques—were also arrested, while one suspect remains at large. Costa’s defense has filed for a criminal review, arguing that the court failed to account for her history of domestic violence, citing a 2010 police report. Her daughter, Jeniffer Costa, has publicly defended her, claiming the incident was an act of self-defense. Conversely, Márcio Costa expressed relief regarding the arrest, stating he had carried the pain of the ordeal in silence for years. Following her arrest, local authorities have requested an investigation into potential animal cruelty charges, alleging that Costa abandoned two dogs while fleeing from police.

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